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The purpose of this paper is to evaluate the applicative potentiality of functional/self-responsive materials in aeronautics. In particular, the study aims to experimentally validate the enhancement of structural performances of carbon fibers samples in the presence of nanofillers, as multi-walled carbon nanontubes or microcapsules for the self-healing functionality.

The paper opted for a mechanical study. Experimental static and dynamic tests on “blank” and modified formulations were performed in order to estimate both strength and damping parameters. A cantilever beam test set-up has been proposed. As a parallel activity, a numerical FE approach has been introduced to assess the correct modeling of the system.

The paper provides practical and empirical insights about how self-responsive materials react to mechanical solicitations. It suggests that reinforcing a sample positively affects the samples properties since they, de facto, improve the global structural performance. This work highlights that the addition of carbon nanotubes strongly improves the mechanical properties with a simultaneous slight enhancement in the damping performance. Damping properties are, instead, strongly enhanced by the addition of self-healing components. A balanced combination of both fillers could be adopted to increase electrical conductivity and to improve global performance in damping and auto-repairing properties.

The paper includes implications for the use of lightweight composite materials in aeronautics.

This paper fulfills an identified need to study new lightweight self-responsive smart materials for aeronautical structural application.